The limestone and turrets that adorn the Thirteenth-century fortress of Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection, positioned within the charming village of Massignac, appear to be one thing lifted straight from a fairy story. Its true historical past, nevertheless, rivals any work of fantasy. The chateau, constructed by the medieval knights of Chasteigner de la Roche-Posay, and surrounded by 2,500 verdant acres of land, was as soon as the important thing stronghold on the highway between Limoges and Angoulême. Richard the Lionheart, it’s mentioned, handed by means of this place (and met his finish close by).
Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Assortment
Right now, nevertheless, the Domaine’s company are extra lowkey than warrior kings on horseback—discretion goes hand in hand with the secluded calm of the property’s nonetheless lakes and rows of beech, oak, and chestnut timber that flip gold within the autumn solar. It’s becoming that a spot imbued with such a powerful historical past evokes an equally sturdy sense of reprieve from the stresses of recent life: The property not solely provides company the uncommon expertise of a real retreat, but additionally the chance to completely attune to the pure world.
Regardless of the grandeur of the fortress—and all of the facilities of a luxurious resort that include it—there stays a homely, casual environment to the Domaine. Upon arrival, I used to be proven round by Bastien, a member of the resort’s employees from the local people, who rapidly assured me that I might be left to my very own gadgets in having fun with the resort’s services. This isn’t a spot for prime glamour; assume extra alongside the strains of relaxed countryside stylish. The seven elegantly adorned suites contained in the chateau constructing itself supply luxurious settings for a romantic getaway, whereas the 4 multi-storey suites within the Longère—or ‘lengthy home’—and the six generously spaced Metairie farmhouse cottages scattered throughout the property additionally make it a healthful vacation spot for households.
